Four swim stops, beer, and Greek lunch. I love the long, photo-friendly hour at Anthony Quinn Bay, and I love that the cruise throws in an open bar of ice-cold beer, wine, and soft drinks. It’s a short day at sea that still feels like a real swim break, not just a boat ride.

Most stops are about 30 minutes, so if you want slow beach lounging for hours, this may feel a bit rushed. Still, the boat keeps things comfortable with a small top limit of 35 passengers.

Key highlights you’ll actually care about

• Anthony Quinn Bay gets the full hour, so you are not sprinting from one photo spot to the next.
• Unlimited open bar includes beer, wine, and soft drinks, built into the ticket value.
• Traganou Caves swim time plus crystal-clear water around Afandou Bay.
• Ladiko Bay includes a famous 200-meter underwater cliff, great for snorkeling visibility.
• Comfort-focused setup with a large 38 feet boat and real room to move around.

A Rhodes cruise that mixes swimming, snacks (sort of), and real value

This is a 4-hour Rhodes cruise designed around getting you in and out of the water a bunch of times. You get four named swim and snorkel stops, with snorkelling equipment and swimming noodles available on board, plus a Greek lunch that makes it more than a simple half-trip.

What makes it feel like good value is the mix: lunch plus an open bar plus short, focused swim windows. In practice, that means you spend less time hunting for food or drinks and more time doing the main thing, which is swimming in some of Rhodes’ best-known coastal spots.

One note before you set expectations: the cruise is very much a swim itinerary. You might see a bit of “party boat” energy too. Reviews mention music, onboard dancing lessons, and the kind of fun that keeps the time moving.

Boat comfort: the 38 feet vessel and why 35 passengers matters

This boat is a 38 feet vessel licensed for 49 passengers, but the operator caps it at 35 to keep things comfortable. That smaller cap makes a difference for how the trip feels, especially if you want to sit, walk around, or duck downstairs when the breeze picks up.

On board, you also have basic comforts that add up on a short cruise. There’s a restroom onboard, and you’ll find comfortable seating like bean bags for lounging. That matters because you will be traveling, waiting between swim stops, and moving gear on and off the boat, and you do not want that to feel stressful.

If you are the type who gets antsy sitting still, the schedule helps. You are not stuck in a long stretch on open water. You have frequent swim breaks, so you get a natural rhythm: boat, swim, snorkel, repeat.

Getting on and off the boat: where transfers fit in

The cruise is set up for easy pick up, with a couple options depending on how you book.

If you select the add-on, you get a return hotel transfer from Rhodes, Ixia, Kremasti, or Faliraki. If you do not add it, the assumption is you will meet at Faliraki Harbour.

Either way, timing matters. To arrange pick up time, you message the office on WhatsApp with your surname, date of trip, and hotel name the day before. The office runs 09:00 to 22:00, so you can handle it without stress during the day.

One practical tip: message the office even if you are confident about meeting points. It removes the guesswork and helps you show up prepared rather than figuring it out at the dock.

Your itinerary rhythm: four swim stops in 4 hours

The cruise is built around four swim and snorkel stops, each with time to get in the water and recover with a drink and lunch on board. Most stops are about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

The big exception is Anthony Quinn Bay, which gets a full hour. That longer window is the reason this stop is the favorite for a lot of people. It is enough time to swim around, take photos, and still feel like you did not rush.

There is one more detail worth flagging: the included list mentions three swimming stops, while the overall description talks about four swim stops including Afandou Bay. The safe way to handle that is simple: when you confirm your booking, verify the sequence for your departure. Either way, you will get water time at Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, the Traganou Caves area, and Afandou Bay based on the activity description.

Stop 1: Anthony Quinn Bay, the one-hour photo swim

Anthony Quinn Bay is famous for a reason. It looks good from the boat and it looks even better once you’re in the water. Here, you get the most time on purpose, about one full hour.

I like this stop because it gives you options. You can snorkel and look around, swim a bit farther, or just float and enjoy the light on the water while you reset for the next segment. It is the kind of place where you stop and think, this is why people come to Rhodes for sea time.

One drawback to plan for: since this is your long stop, it tends to be the most in-demand. So if you want to snorkel right away, you might want to be ready when the boat is anchored and people start entering the water.

Stop 2: Traganou Caves, swim time in a water playground

The Traganou Caves stop is all about that classic “water exploration” feeling. The highlight here is swimming inside the Traganou Caves plus time tied to the clear-water environment around the area.

Cave swimming can be magical because the water texture changes and the light plays differently than it does on open beaches. But the time is still limited. So treat this stop like a chance to do a couple solid snorkel sessions rather than a long, slow exploration.

What helps: snorkelling equipment and swimming noodles are available on board. If you do not have your own gear, you can still join in without turning the day into an equipment hunt.

If you are a confident swimmer, you will likely enjoy this stop more. If you are not as confident, you can still participate with a noodle and stay closer to the boat.

Stop 3: Afandou Bay water time, clear-water snorkeling energy

Afandou Bay is described as a place where you get a chance to swim in crystal-clear water. It is part of the cruise’s named swim and snorkel stops, so it is not just a scenic pass.

This stop pairs well with the caves segment because the day goes from “unique underwater vibe” to “clear, open water snorkeling.” In other words, you get variety without losing momentum.

Because the overall cruise is short, keep your energy practical. Afandou is the kind of place where it can be tempting to focus hard on photos or one perfect swim track. But you only have about 30 minutes for each main stop, so plan to enjoy the water first, then take pictures while you’re already in a good rhythm.

Stop 4: Ladiko Bay and the 200-meter underwater cliff

Ladiko Bay is another big reason this cruise is worth it. You get time to swim and snorkel, and the feature mentioned is a 200-meter underwater cliff.

For you, that means better odds of seeing interesting underwater scenery, as long as conditions are cooperative. The cliff is the kind of landmark that can help snorkeling feel like you are not just floating in one spot. You have something to orient to, and the water often offers clearer visibility compared to more shallow, sandy areas.

The other good part: Ladiko fits well with how the cruise pacing works. After the caves and Afandou, you get a fresh, open water moment with a distinct underwater feature. It makes the day feel like four separate experiences rather than one long swim.

Lunch on board plus the open bar: what the ticket really buys

This is where the value math becomes easy. Your ticket includes a Greek lunch, plus an open bar of unlimited ice-cold beers, wine, and soft drinks.

In a nutshell, you are paying for time on the water and you are also paying for the ease of being fed and hydrated without extra runs ashore. On a short 4-hour cruise, that convenience is a big deal.

Food quality seems to be a strong point. Reviews highlight delicious food, and that matches the way this cruise is built, with lunch positioned at the most important stop, Anthony Quinn Bay.

Vegetarian or vegan? You can ask for options, but you need to give notice at least a day before. If that matters to you, do not wait until the day of the trip.

A small caution: one part of the provided info says drinks are not included, while the main description says the open bar is included. The practical move is to rely on what your booking confirms, then plan around beer, wine, and soft drinks being covered if your ticket states the open bar is included.

What you get for swimming: noodles, snorkel gear, and practical comfort

You do not need to bring snorkeling gear to join in. Snorkelling equipment and swimming noodles are provided on board.

That makes this cruise friendlier for casual swimmers. You can try snorkeling without the hassle of transporting gear, rinsing it later, and hoping it fits right. It also helps if you are traveling with kids or first-timers who want to try the water but are not ready to buy equipment.

The boat also includes a restroom. That’s not glamorous, but it matters on any half-day trip. Fewer awkward interruptions means more time enjoying the stops.

Between swims, seating and lounging seem to be a theme in reviews. Bean bags and the ability to move to different areas help when the wind picks up on the return ride.

The tradeoffs: who this fits best, and who should choose differently

This cruise is ideal if you want a sea day with structured swim time. You like variety, you do not mind short stops, and you enjoy the feeling of being on a group outing where the crew keeps things moving.

It’s also a good fit if you want food and drinks handled for you. Lunch is included, and the open bar concept keeps the day low-effort.

Where it might not fit: if you want quiet, unplanned time, or if you want a long beach day instead of swimming and snorkeling. With 30-minute windows at most stops, you will feel the schedule. This is not a “hang out all afternoon” cruise.

If you prefer a very quiet experience, you might still enjoy it because there’s a comfort-focused passenger limit. But it has the energy of music, fun, and onboard entertainment.

Price and value: $73 for water time, lunch, and open bar

At about $73 per person, the big question is what your money covers. Here, it covers a full half-day at sea, four named swim and snorkel stops, snorkeling gear, a Greek lunch, and the open bar.

That is strong value if you would otherwise pay for boat time plus food plus drinks on your own. On Rhodes, those add-ons can grow quickly, especially if you are trying to piece together a day that includes transportation, lunch, and activities.

Transfers are the one variable. The return transfer is listed as available as an add-on for 10€ from specific areas (Rhodes, Ixia, Kremasti, Faliraki). If you live close and plan to get to Faliraki Harbour easily, you might skip the add-on. If you want less hassle, selecting it is usually worth it because it reduces your day’s friction.

Also pay attention to what is not included. Snacks are listed as not included, so if you snack often, you may want to plan for that outside the cruise. Drinks beyond what the open bar covers would be an extra cost only if your ticket indicates otherwise.

Should you book this Rhodes cruise?

Book it if you want a short, high-reward sea day with multiple swim stops, snorkeling gear included, and a lunch and open bar that keep you comfortable. The one-hour Anthony Quinn Bay stop is the standout reason to choose this over a simpler single-stop boat.

Skip it if you hate time limits, you need long resting periods on shore, or you want a very quiet, low-energy outing.

If your idea of a great Rhodes day is water, photos, and a fun group vibe with easy food and drinks handled, this cruise is an easy yes. Just confirm the exact stop order for your departure when you book, so you know how the Traganou Caves and Afandou Bay timing will land in your 4-hour window.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The cruise duration is 4 hours, and you can check available starting times.

Do I get snorkeling equipment and noodles?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment and swimming noodles are included, and there is also a restroom onboard.

Which swim stops are included?

The cruise description includes swim and snorkel stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, Traganou Caves, Afandou Bay, and Ladiko Bay.

Is lunch included, and is there a vegetarian or vegan option?

A Greek lunch is included. Vegetarian or vegan options are available if you inform the provider at least a day before the trip.

Do drinks come with the ticket?

The activity description states there is an open bar with unlimited ice-cold beer, wine, and soft drinks included in the price. Your ticket details will confirm what is covered.

How do hotel transfers work?

Return hotel transfer is available as a 10€ add-on from Rhodes, Ixia, Kremasti, or Faliraki if selected at checkout. If you do not request a pick up time, it is assumed you will meet directly at Faliraki Harbour.

When should I contact the office about pick up time?

You should message the office on WhatsApp the day before the trip with your surname, date of trip, and hotel name to arrange the pick up time. The office operates 09:00 to 22:00.